Dana expected to announce election intentions today

The former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon looks set to enter the presidential race when she announces her intentions at a press conference in Dublin at 4pm today.

She has been canvassing Fianna Fáil and Independent TDs for their support.

Meanwhile, the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has met his deputy leader Eamon O'Cuiv today in a bid to resolve a damaging row over the party's presidential election strategy.

Mr Martin wants the party to have no involvement in nominating candidates for the election, while Eamon O'Cuiv wants members to have a free vote to back candidates like Labhras O'Murchu, Dana or David Norris.